Governance

Learn about the decision-making bodies at ACU, meet our Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, and understand the University’s governance structure.

Leading after a life of service

Even before becoming ACU Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, the Honorable John Fahey AC and Mr Julien O’Connell AM both reflected our mission through lives of public service and faith. They now bring that dedication to ACU.

Chancellor

The Honorable John Fahey AC, former premier of New South Wales and federal minister, is ACU’s Chancellor. In this role, he is chairperson of the Senate: the University’s governing body.

Pro-Chancellor

Mr Julien O’Connell AM has had a long and successful career in business and is ACU’s Pro-Chancellor. He sits on the Senate, chairs the Standing and Finance Committee and Campus Board, and acts as deputy to the Chancellor.

Our governing bodies

Governing Senate

The Senate is ACU’s governing authority. Its members’ roles include managing the budget, creating policy, overseeing University operations, and ensuring adequate risk management procedures are implemented and followed.

Our State Chapters

To connect ACU with local communities, we have State Chapters in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. These chapters report to the Senate and act as advisory bodies, but have no direct governance role.

Our Academic Board

Our Academic Board reports to the Senate and is responsible for all academic matters, including conducting quality assurance, developing academic policy, recommending new courses to the Senate, and initiating course reviews.

Corporation

ACU is a public company. The Corporation, as enshrined in our constitution, is responsible for maintaining a university that adheres to the Catholic faith and is committed to the pursuit of truth through academic enquiry.